In 2000, the Renault Clio 1,4 was awarded the title of South African Car of the Year. At the end of 2001, Renault revised the entire the model range and came up with some significant improvements which are set to enhance the appeal of this compact runabout even more.

Let’s start with a conclusion: if the first version of the popular Renault Clio was good enough to win the title of South African Car of the Year, then this latest rendition will have been even more deserving of the title - a truly great all-round package has become even better still.

At fist glance, not everyone will like the in-your-face, oversize front headlights (seemingly an exclusively Japanese styling trait until now…), nor the grille and bumper treatment on the new model. In the metal, however, the new look quickly grows on the observer, as does the still very stylish and contemporary lines of the bodyshell, the unique double-decker rear-end design treatment - with the tailgate extended into the roofline - still as attractive as ever. The light treatment at the back is now cleaner and simpler than before.

The Clio is a small car by any standard, dimension wise one of the smallest in its class, but one with a host of amenities and creature comforts - not least of all its superb ride in the true French tradition - to set it apart.

In terms of seating comfort, the Clio is comfortably the class leader - superbly formed, body-hugging seats upholstered in attractive and a seemingly durable cloth. Thanks to height and reach adjustment for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, getting comfortable is no problem at all. The dash layout is logical and every dial and display clearly legible, while satellite functions on stalks extending from the steering column making remote use of the items like the sound system not only a safe but also a hassle-free, comfortable affair.

In all, the cabin ambience - a combination of colours and classy textures - with its all-new interior design makes this an attractive and pleasant environment to spend time in.

However, one jarring note which subjectively completely destroyed this Clio’s upmarket feel - it has to be stressed that the Clio is indeed one up on all competitors in its class - is the inclusion of a sound system with tape function in stead of a front loading CD. At the price it should not be expected of owners to have to “upgrade”, especially since the Clio comes with a spec level far outclassing any rival. Come on, Renault, how much could standardisation cost?

That said, the Clio is comprehensively equipped. While the entire spec sheet is an elaborate affair, significant one-upmanship on the Clio’s rivals (in this class) include ABS brakes (with electronic brake distribution and emergency brake assist), adaptive airbags, aircon with dirt filters, full information display, UV-windscreen, electric operation for the front windows and mirrors, remote central locking and the above mentioned satellite functions on the steering column (which equates to a multi-function steering wheel in larney, expensive automobiles). In this segment of the market, these items set the Clio a world apart from its rivals, yet at a price on par with those other marques.

Because of its compact exterior size, the Clio does not boast class-leading interior space. Largish adults will find rear accommodation somewhat cramped (not a strong point in any car in this class), although accommodation in the front is not only more than adequate, but also supremely comfortable thanks to the formfitting seats with high shoulder backs and headrests.

In terms of load space, in standard format with seats upright and the luggage cover in place, the 224 dm is just about adequate. Start folding and tumbling the seats, a more usable 864 dm can be opened up.

As if all the Clio wasn’t strong enough on all other fronts, in terms of ride quality it really shines - in true French tradition. The minimum wheel size is now 14 inches, while handling is aided by a MacPherson strut set-up with lower wishbones and anti-roll bar at the front and torsion beam axle with trailing arm ate the back. Push it, and the all-out handling is exemplary - comfortable at low speeds, compliant at higher speeds, and neutral, surefooted handling in the twisties. Together with the abundance of power from the multivalve 1400, it begs owners to explore its power and performance in a safe and very controlled way.

On the safety front, the Clio is - once again - a class leader: the above mentioned adaptive airbags (also side bags), ABS with EBD and BAS, and satellite controls sets it apart in this class of car. On top of that, the Clio scored a four star rating in the stringent Euro NCAP crash test programme, making it one of the safest in its class.

Our drive car - a dark blue manual version - looked neat and classy, its build quality and fit and finish near-flawless. Clios are sold with a 3 year/100 000 km warranty as well as a six year anti-corrosion warranty, while service intervals are set at 15 000 km. The latter is average for the class, with many competitors now boasting 20 000 km intervals.

Once again, a shiner: the little 16-valve 1,4-litre four cylinder runs like a sewing machine, in a seat-of-the-pants way outperforming many a 1600 car and certainly - on paper - with performance figures on par with most 1600s. For the volume-selling manual version, figures for the Clio’s 1 390 cc engine are 70 kW @ 6 000 rpm and 127 Nm of torque @ 5 750 rpm. This translates into a top speed in excess of 185 km/h, a 0 to 100 km/h dash of 10,5 secs and a combined consumption figure of 8.2 litres/100 km. Around town, the abundance of torque in this light car allows the driver to select fourth or fifth gear and leave it there for most driving purposes.

For comparison, other 1400s in the form of the Daewoo Lanos deliver 55 kW, the VW Polo 62 kW, the Opel Corsa 65 kW and the Ford Fiesta 55 kW.

Renault knows how to build a motorcar, the Clio being the car to beat in the compact segment of the market. With the increased mix of models in the range, all with the same inherent safety and handling traits, there is bound to be one to suit entry-level buyers. In 1.4 16V form, this may be as good as it is going to get in this segment of the market. Viva la France!